UF golfer wins local U.S. Open qualifier

J.D. Tomlinson had medalist in a U.S. Open local qualifier Monday at the Marsh Creek Country Club in the bag.

He almost added a share of the course record held by past Players Championship winner Fred Funk.

Tomlinson, a freshman on the University of Florida golf team, lipped out a 12-foot eagle-putt attempt at the par-5 ninth hole, his last, and settled for a 7-under-par 65 that won the qualifier by four shots over former University of North Florida player and Ponte Vedra Beach resident Jeff Dennis.

Also qualifying for U.S. Open 36-hole sectional play June 4 are Jeffrey Cammon of St. Simons Island, Ga., and Robert Twine of Chesapeake, Va.

Tomlinson, who has two top-10 finishes and four top-20s with the Gators this year began his round at No. 10 and had an uneventful first nine holes, with two birdies and one bogey - at a par-5 hole.

But he tore into the front nine of the St. Augustine course, which was designed by Mark McCumber, the father of Tomlinson's UF teammate Tyler McCumber. Tomlinson birdied the first three holes on the front on putts of 20, 5 and 2 feet, then birdied the last three holes, on putts of 3 and 4 feet, plus the tap-in after his attempt for a 64.

Funk holds that record. Marsh Creek head professional Cary Splane, a Florida graduate who taught Tomlinson in his junior program in Gainesville more than 10 years ago, said the two have a bit in common.

"J.D.'s not the longest guy in the world off the tee but he keeps it in play and I think he showed today he's a good putter," Splane said.

Tomlinson and the rest of his Florida teammates will begin play in an NCAA regional tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday. He was ill two weeks ago and was concerned about not getting enough competition in before the regional.

"This was my first 18 holes of golf in about a week and a half," he said. "I really wanted to make this, not only to have a chance to get into a U.S. Open but to stay sharp for the regionals."

Dennis, who is 34th on the National Golf Association Tour money list, had the opposite round of Tomlinson's. Dennis shot 5-under 31 on the front, parred the first eighth holes on the back, then double-bogeyed the par-4 18th hole when he missed the fairway, missed the green, chipped on and three-putted.

However, Dennis had put enough birdies in the bank to see him through that finish. He birdied both the par-5 holes on the front on tap-ins and birdied his other three holes on putts of 10 feet or less.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertising

Stay Connected

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The St. Augustine Record ~ One News Place, St. Augustine, FL 32086 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service